Depth of Field Calculator | Hyperfocal & Limits

Reading your depth of field results

The dark panel shows total depth of field at your focus distance. Near and far limits bracket the sharp zone; hyperfocal is the focus setting that stretches that zone toward infinity.

Example: 50 mm, f/2.8, 5 m, full frame

Defaults: 50 mm focal length, f/2.8, subject at 5 m, Full Frame (35 mm) sensor. Circle of confusion ≈ 0.0288 mm. Total depth of field ≈ 1.66 m (near limit ≈ 4.30 m, far limit ≈ 5.96 m). Hyperfocal distance ≈ 31.0 m. Widen the aperture or move closer and that band shrinks fast.

Far limit at infinity and hyperfocal

When subject distance reaches hyperfocal, the far limit reads ∞. Focus at hyperfocal and everything from half that distance outward stays acceptably sharp—a common landscape setup at f/8–f/11. The hyperfocal row in the panel updates with every lens or sensor change.

Sensor preset and circle of confusion

Section 03 sets sensor diagonal; the Circle of confusion row depends on diagonal only—not aperture or distance. Switch from Full Frame to a crop preset and total depth of field in the panel usually widens at the same focal length and f-stop.

Depth of field calculator: near limit, far limit, and hyperfocal

This page computes near limit, far limit, total depth of field, and hyperfocal distance from focal length, aperture, subject distance, and sensor diagonal using the circle-of-confusion rule (diagonal ÷ 1500). Thin-lens approximation only; no tilt-shift or diffraction modeling.

What this calculator does

Enter focal length (mm), aperture (f-stop), subject distance (m or ft), and a sensor preset or custom diagonal. The results panel shows near limit, far limit, total depth of field, hyperfocal distance, and the circle of confusion used in the math. Output uses the same distance unit you chose. It does not model tilt-shift lenses, focus breathing, or diffraction at very small apertures.

How the math works

Thin-lens depth of field. Hyperfocal distance in millimeters:

H = \frac{f^2}{N \cdot c}

where f is focal length (mm), N is the f-number, and c is circle of confusion (sensor diagonal ÷ 1500, in mm). Near and far limits:

D_n = \frac{H \cdot s}{H + s}, \quad D_f = \frac{H \cdot s}{H - s}

where s is subject distance in mm. When s ≥ H, the far limit is infinity. Total depth of field = far limit − near limit when both are finite.

Limits of the model

Circle of confusion uses

\text{c} = \text{diagonal} / 1500

only—no print-size or viewing-distance tables. Macro distances report millimeter-thin bands; focus stacking is outside this widget. For cross-format focal length equivalents, see the Crop Factor Calculator; for star-trail exposure limits, see the Astrophotography Calculator.

Depth of Field Calculator FAQ

How does this page compute the circle of confusion?

The circle of confusion line in the results panel uses sensor diagonal ÷ 1500 (diagonal in millimeters). That is the largest blur spot that still reads sharp at normal viewing size. Pick a sensor preset or enter a custom diagonal in section 03; the value updates before you change aperture or distance.

Why does full frame show shallower depth of field than crop?

At the same focal length and f-stop, a full-frame preset has a larger sensor diagonal, so the circle of confusion is larger and the panel reports less total depth of field. Switch from Full Frame to APS-C at the same 50 mm and f/2.8 and the near/far band usually widens.

When does the far limit show infinity?

When subject distance reaches or passes hyperfocal distance, the far limit reads ∞ and everything from the near limit outward stays acceptably sharp. Portrait setups at 5 m usually sit well short of hyperfocal, with a finite far limit behind the subject.

Why is depth of field so thin in macro?

At very close focus distances, the near and far limits collapse to millimeters. This calculator still reports them, but a single shot rarely keeps the whole subject sharp. Focus stacking—several shots at different focus distances merged in software—is the usual fix.

Can I use a custom sensor size?

Yes. Choose Custom in the sensor dropdown and enter the diagonal in millimeters from the manufacturer spec. Circle of confusion and all limits recalculate from that diagonal only.

How do I know if my subject fits in the sharp zone?

Compare your subject distance to the near limit and far limit in the results panel. Your focus point should sit between them. If the near limit is farther than the closest face in a group portrait, the front row goes soft even when focus feels correct on one person.

Sources & citations

References used for the calculation method and definitions. Links open in a new tab when available.

[1]

Depth of Field — Hyperfocal distance and circle of confusion

Overview of depth-of-field limits, hyperfocal distance, and circle-of-confusion concepts used in photographic sharpness models.

[2]

Image Sensor Format — Sensor dimensions and diagonals

Reference for sensor diagonal measurements across full frame, APS-C, Micro Four Thirds, and medium format presets in the calculator.

Mathematical Reference Note

Calculation Logic: This tool uses standard mathematical algorithms. While we strive for accuracy, errors in logic or user input can result in incorrect data.

Verification: Results should be cross-checked if used for important academic, professional, or personal calculations.

Standard Terms: This tool is provided free of charge and as-is. CalcRegistry provides no warranty regarding the accuracy or fitness of these results for your specific needs.

Depth of Field Calculator: How Much Stays Sharp?

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